I realize I could go to the Tow Vehicle Forum, but most people there are towing fifth wheels.
We have a 2008 90" Shamrock 233 that weighs in at 4800 to 5000 pounds fully loaded. We have been towing the last two years with our 2003 Astro RWD van....rated to tow 5000 lb. max. Fun climbing hills @ 30 miles per hour and everyone passing us!
We are looking at a 2010 F150 XTR 6 passenger crew cab with the 3.55 rear axle and the 5.3 V8 and 6 speed OD transmission. Looking ahead the trailer will be around longer then the TV. My question is will I be able to climb the hills comfortably and have the last laugh?
Anyone's experience with the same gear ratio and engine & tranny would be appreciated.
I have an 06 Expedition with the 5.4, a 4 speed auto, and a 3.73 rear end. I pull a 23' Cikira that is just over 5,000#. The 6 speed is nice compared to my 4 speed, but I really think you should opt for a 3.73 axle. My guess is that is what would come on a truck with the towing package.
JU
Jerry9n
2009 23' Cikira Escape EXP
2006 Ford Expedition
Reese Pro Series SC
Tekonsha Voyager HTT Mods
My 2004 F-150 with the 5.4 engine has towed my current trailer for over 40,000 miles through 48 states and has done so trouble free. It ALSO towed my previous 6,000 lb. trailer another 40,000 miles with no problems. Since you don't have the truck yet, get the 3.73 gear instead of the 3.55 but you'll have to order it that way because gearing is NOT part of the towing package. It IS part of the tow RATING though. Either way it'll do the job just fine.
2004 F-250 SCREW Long Bed (new)
OR 2004 F-150 HD (85,000 towing miles) Rockwood 8314SS 34' travel trailer
We have enough YOUTH...how about a fountain of SMART
Am towing a 3,500 lb Casita with a 2009 Ford F-150, 4x4, 5.4L, 3.55 axle ratio, equipped with the new 6-speed OD auto transmission.
It climbs right along with auto traffic over Monarch Pass and Wolf Creek Pass in Colorado. You'll be turning more than 4,000 RPM in 3rd or 4th gear. Your rig is about 1,300 lb heavier, but should do well.
Skip is right about axle ratios. Mine has the 3.55 axle, standard ratio (not 3.73, which is an option) with the trailer package. Ford's tow rating is 9,700 lb for 4x4 Supercab with BOTH 3.55 and 3.73 ratios. Perhaps 3.73 or higher is not advisable with the 6-speed transmission. You can drive in 5th gear with the 3.55 axle if desired when towing, which is analagous to a numerically high axle ratio. This is not feasible with 4-speed transmissions. It gives the best of both worlds....power when towing, and quiet, economical cruising when not.
Mine pulls the Casita at 60-65 MPH on the flat in 6th gear. Any mild upgrade causes a downshift to 5th. Fuel mileage averages 14.9 MPG (via odometer and long division) towing on flatland interstates.
My planning number is 10mpg with my '07 Expedition 5.4, 6-speed, 3.73 axles. Non towing is 20 on the turnpikes. Sweet spot for my 5000 pound Roo 23SS is about 62mph at 1800 rpm with this axle. Infrequent drops into 4th gear in the PA and western MD mountains.
Our max towing capacity is 9000 pounds with the $350 HD Tow package. If you don't need the open bed of a F150 the Expedition will work wonderfully. And it doesn't "ride like a truck."
-- Chuck
'06 Roo 23SS behind '07 Expedition out of Cleveland Our Photo pages
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